The Lowest-Rated Titles of the Year 2025, Based on Aggregate Scores

Across the internet, fans are foaming at the mouth to post their rankings of the best releases of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the underperformers? It's time to take a few moments to honor the most panned games of the year, based on the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games truly as terrible as the reviews suggest? Here is the list.

10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour

Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10

First impressions to this showcase title were colored by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Professional assessment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to more generous takes that highlighted the polished software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a strong commercial performer during its launch month.

9. Rennsport

Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10

Marketed as "beyond a racing game," this driving sim from studios in Germany and Poland garnered overwhelmingly poor reviews. Critics noted that the game felt unfinished in nearly every way, especially in a year packed with stellar racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was best left in the garage.

8. The Purrfect Bubsy Collection

Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10

First things first: the confusing punctuation is a silly annoyance. This collection of retro Bubsy titles revives a sarcastic feline known for constant jokes. Reviewers noted that these games were mediocre originally and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score stands as a peculiar anomaly to the critical reception.

7. Nen x Impact

Aggregate Score: 53, User Score: 3.5

This manga-based fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a thin fighter lineup and a dearth of gameplay modes. Fan reaction was especially vitriolic, with some stating a hope that the title's poor performance would be a warning for the developers.

6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game

Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3

A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with collecting slime-like creatures. The assessment was that its goal to mimic a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a meaningful addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a premium price was criticized.

5. Captain Blood

Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3

This title is a piece of lost media from the mid-2000s, launched after years and years in development hell. The developers made the decision to preserve the game as an original experience of its time, fully aware that modern gamers might criticize its dated design. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more compelling than the end product.

4. Scar-Lead

Metascore: 44, Audience Score: 2.4

This anime-art roguelike shooter inspired by games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints included uninspired foes, repetitive levels, and a unengaging plot. A controversial mechanic involving the protagonist's clothing was universally disliked and took away from the game's potential charm.

3. Ambulance Life

Aggregate Score: 44, Audience Score: 4.9

Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then take out the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is essentially *Ambulance Life*. Players found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the narrative's handling of mental health topics was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.

2. Tamagotchi Plaza

Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8

This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a town-management title. The result, based on critics, was a vapid collection of simple minigames that quickly overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the worst titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of depth.

1. MindsEye

Aggregate Score: 37, Audience Score: 2.5

Positioned as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a catastrophic critical flop. Reviews universally panned its lousy combat, uninspired storytelling, and a multitude of game-breaking glitches. Critics found it to be a downgrade compared to much older games in the similar style. Among the scathing reviews, a small handful of positive user reviews found value in the experience, offering a distinct vote of confidence.